First-Look Photos: Tips for Your Wedding Day
Picture this: You’re special someone is standing with their back turned toward you. Even though you can’t see their expression, you know they are filled with anxious energy. You are too. It’s your wedding day, after all. But you haven’t yet gotten to see each other dressed in your wedding best. All that time spent choosing the perfect outfit, styling your hair and makeup, considering the little details…
Now is the big moment. With a bit of nervousness and a lot of excitement, you approach your soon-to-be spouse, and tap them on the shoulder. They turn around. In a flash of emotions, they laugh or cry—or simply stand there, stunned by your appearance. All the while, the photographer snaps photos of the candid moment in all its emotional glory.
What is a first look? A first look is when a couple sees each other dressed in their wedding attire for the first time. This can be a very emotional moment for some couples, which is why some couples choose to have a wedding photographer capture the moment.
Traditional First Looks and Wedding Photography
Ah, traditions. Some people love wedding traditions while others prefer to do things their own way—and still others like to mix and match. Truth be told, there are really no wrong answers when it comes to your wedding day. As long as you are happy, that’s all that matters.
But, just for a bit of historical context—traditional weddings have the couple witnessing each other for the first time at the wedding ceremony itself. The bride walks down the aisle, the groom lifts her veil, and everyone oohhs and aahhs. Seeing each other before the ceremony was considered bad luck.
But as is often the case with modern weddings, traditions can be changed.
First-look photos are nice for couples who get to emote. Part of the fun of first-look photos is that couples cry, laugh, show off, hug, kiss, dance, stand stunned in admiration—or even a combination of emotions and reactions. It’s so unfiltered that it’s magical. And that’s just easier to do before your ceremony, rather than during it.
In that same vein, first-look photos give couples more personal time together. Wedding days can go by so fast—especially if you’re rushing from one activity to the next. So, think of first-look photos as your time set aside for just you two.
Lastly, veils have kind of fallen out of fashion. It’s not that you never see it. But it’s just more rare these days.
How to Perform a First Look: Because We Love Options
There are lots of reasons why couples might not vibe with traditional first-look photos. For one, LGBT couples might not connect with the idea of a groom seeing the bride for the first time. Another reason could be that the couple wants more people involved (not just their partner)—or that they feel like a first look is too much pressure (more on this later).
Want to explore your options? Here are a few ways to perform a first look.
One nearlywed taps the other on the shoulder: This is the classic. One person stands with their back turned. Their partner (dressed beautifully) walks behind them, gives a shoulder tap, a hug, or even a spank (yup, we’ve seen it) to get them to turn around. It’s cute, fun, and full of emotion.
Both partners see each other for the first time: This one takes a little more finesse. But, the couple stands back to back—then turns around at the same time. This is fun because, as a photographer, you can get both reactions.
Showing off to an honored family member: While first looks are typically with partners, we’ve had a few brides request that their mom or dad get their own first look photos too. Get the tissues ready for this one, and you know we love it because tears make for good photos!
In front of a group: Want to show your wedding-day fit off to everyone? Try descending the stairs or walking out into a group of your guests or wedding party. A well-placed photographer (or two) can get lots of reactions.
What If You Don’t Want a First Look?
We’ve had a few couples express that they certainly do not want first-look photos. And that’s A-OK. Maybe you prefer to see each other at the ceremony. Maybe you’re getting ready together in the same room.
Although, some couples feel like it's too much pressure to act a certain way during the first-look photos. If that’s you—don’t worry. How you look and act on your wedding day is totally up to you. And I hope to help you feel comfortable to be emotional. So, take a moment to read the next section anyway.
Common Concerns About First Looks
Some partners worry that they won’t be very expressive—and get concerned that the photos won’t turn out well or that their lack of outward emotion might be misinterpreted.
My best bit of advice? Don’t overthink it. Your partner knows you love them. That’s why you’re getting married, after all! And it’s totally normal to stand in awed silence or calmly embrace your partner. It doesn’t always need to be waterworks and explosive displays of emotions.
You might have seen videos online about people crying the first time they see their spouse. But remember that your reactions are your own—and social media isn’t reality. Whatever you feel in the moment is perfectly wonderful in its own way. Show up as you are on your wedding day.
Booking Your Wedding Photographer
Want an experienced wedding and elopement photographer for your big day? From first look to “I do,” reception to first dance, and everything else—Love & Latitudes can be your ideal wedding photographer. Capture everything in living color and astonishing detail. Book a consultation today!
